Detective Dotson is a cozy mystery-adventure game inspired by Bollywood and Indian culture with an aesthetic style based on real-world Indian cities. As the titular Detective Dotson, you’ll collect clues and solve cases as you encounter a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets.

And while all of this may suggest that Detective Dotson is a just a single-player-only experience, our Xbox trailer blew the case wide open on our newest feature — co-op mode. This stemmed from us wondering: “How come more detective games don’t have co-op? After all, every Sherlock needs a Watson.” Built with Xbox Series X|S in mind, Detective Dotson’s co-op mode lets you and a friend solve capers on the couch. Here’s how it works.

Just for Two

Co-op cases are specifically designed for two players with their own bespoke levels. This is separate from and in addition to Detective Dotson’s single-player cases. We did this because we wanted players to work together to solve these cases which have unique goals and objectives that really showcase that sometimes, two heads are better than one.

Character Capers

Sure, it’s called Detective Dotson but there’s an ensemble of lively characters to choose from on your duo adventure. From super-cop Durai to ravishing reporter Jotson, you’re never short of options. We’ve done this to give you the ability to play the game in co-op your way. Speaking of which…

Power Couple

You’ll use specific actions to see you through the many trials and tribulations Detective Dotson’s co-op campaign throws at you. These include distracting guards while your partner-in-crime sneaks past or using special abilities such as Durai’s machismo to break down doors or Jotson’s journalist status to gain privileged access to areas other characters can’t reach.

Split-screen Shenanigans

Detective Dotson’s co-op mode features a dynamic split-screen. What this means is, while you are both in the same space the screen won’t break into two parts. Rather, it only does that when you and your friend are far enough apart. We felt this made for a more seamless co-op experience while utilizing split-screen to indicate that the action is taking place in two different places at the same time, similar to heist movies. There was a lot of trial-and-error involved in finding the sweet spot for when we actually break the screen in order to have the right balance and indication of distance between you and your friend in-game.

Built with Love Thanks to Xbox DAP

Detective Dotson’s co-op mode would not have been possible without the ID@Xbox Developer Accelerator Program grant. It is the dream of every game developer to bring their game to console as it is perceived to have the highest quality bar to clear. We are thankful that the Xbox Developer Acceleration Program believes in us. It’s not every day that one of the leading platforms in gaming takes notice. Their trust motivates us to do this opportunity justice to bring players a cultural joyride through India with Detective Dotson.

Detective Dotson arrives for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC early next year. Stay up to date on all Detective Dotson news on Discord, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).